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Microsoft’s potential move into Bitcoin (BTC) investments has sparked both excitement and debate leading up to the company’s annual shareholder meeting on December 10. The tech giant’s board opposes BTC investments, but shareholders hold the final say. They will vote on whether to adopt an “Assessment of Investing in Bitcoin” proposal.
The board plans to vote against the proposal, but the influence of key stakeholders like Vanguard and former CEO Steve Ballmer adds intrigue. With significant shares held by both BTC proponents and opponents, the outcome is anyone’s guess.
Shareholder Showdown: Who Owns Microsoft?
The institutional and individual shareholders owning over 1% of Microsoft’s shares present a mixed bag of opinions on Bitcoin. Vanguard, one of the largest shareholders, has historically opposed cryptocurrency investments, setting a cautious tone.
Vanguard’s stance alone could persuade many to vote against BTC. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and former CEO Steve Ballmer have publicly questioned Bitcoin, making their support uncertain despite their large holdings.
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Some shareholders support BTC or hold BTC exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These holders could push for a “yes” vote, but they currently represent only about 17.8% of the stakeholder base.
Though in the minority, these BTC-friendly investors could offset Vanguard’s opposition, especially as Bitcoin gains popularity with institutional investors.
Undecided Voters Hold the Key
The outcome hinges on the 60% of shares held by unknown stakeholders. Their voting intentions remain a mystery. This bloc represents the swing votes that could decide the outcome.
This large number of undecided voters complicates predictions. Also, information on the distribution of voting shares among these unknown holders is limited, making it even harder to predict the proposal’s fate.
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